[postgresql] How do you use variables in a simple PostgreSQL script?

Here's an example of using a variable in plpgsql:

create table test (id int);
insert into test values (1);
insert into test values (2);
insert into test values (3);

create function test_fn() returns int as $$
    declare val int := 2;
    begin
        return (SELECT id FROM test WHERE id = val);
    end;
$$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;

SELECT * FROM test_fn();
 test_fn 
---------
       2

Have a look at the plpgsql docs for more information.